Mar 11, 2013

Happy Monday! Monday morning are especially difficult the day after daylight savings, don't you think? This pick-me-up fruit drink is the perfect fix! Vitamin packed, dairy-free, and loaded with vitamins and fiber.

My aunt brought over this beautiful papaya, excited to make this fruit drink for me. If you've never tried papaya, it has a soft, buttery, pinkish-orange flesh with a taste similar to cantaloupe, with black seeds in the center which you discard; it's known for it's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.

Any restaurant or home you visit in Colombia, where my Mom is from, fresh fruit shakes made with exotic fruits are always on the menu for breakfast or lunch.

Papaya is an excellent fruit because it's high in Vitamins A and C, folate and potassium. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin K. It reminds me of a cantaloupe, only sweeter and softer. Fresh squeezed oranges were added for added vitamins and sweetness along with bananas to make this the perfect start to any morning.

Since this is made with nothing but just fresh fruit, I'm assuming the Weight Watcher Points are 0, correct me if I'm wrong. Enjoy your day!

As long as the fruit juice is freshly squeezed - the points remain at zero. I verified this with a weight watchers leader because I was unsure as well. If you were to add processed orange juice - even ones that claim they are 100% juice - there are points associated.

technically on WWP+ a cup of OJ (one serving) would be 3 points. while the fruit as a whole is 0 points, if you dont eat the flesh and only consume the juice, you're supposed to count the points.either way, this recipe looks tasty -- I'm ALWAYS game for a smoothie!

I agree with EvaNadine... if you are juicing a fresh orange, and NOT including the fiber in the fruit, I think you have to count it. Points for juice are not about fresh vs. packaged, it's about satiety. Losing the fiber means it's not as filling as the whole fruit, so according to WW rules, points count.

You do count the points for any juice because your body is not breaking down the food. But, that is Ok!!! Just work the points in!! It is a great source of vitamins and is extrememly beneficial to your health!! Just don't sabatoge yourself and work it into the plan!!!Looks great, Gina!! NOTE: I use the seeds in salads, they have a peppery flavor!!

Looks fabulous Gina! I used to be a WW leader and technically, you should count the points on juice, even freshly squeezed juice because the fiber that makes you full and satisfies hunger is not included in the juice. The papaya and banana however would be 0 PPV because the whole fruit is used. It's very confusing! WW needs to do a better job of communicating this very confusing issue with their staff and their members!

Anyway my hubby and I are heading to Hawaii on Sunday and this just gets me even more fired up to go, looks so good! Thanks for all of your great recipies. We are having your Asian Glazed Chicken thighs tonight and some stir fried veggies! Yum!

Making this tomorrow morning, putting the whole (peeled) orange in the blender, and the banana and papaya. I saw two comments about eating the seeds, one on salads and one in the blender with the smoothie...sounds interesting. Does this smoothie keep you full long? I usually add FF greek yogurt for protein and to keep me fuller longer. I guess I could add it to this one, but it would change the points. Suggestions?

We just finished up a papaya! My husband is Colombian. Do you and your mom score the outside of the papaya a day or two before you plan to use it? My husband and his family do. Always wondered if you could just eat it without doing that.....

I ran my all fruit and veggie breakfast smoothie through the recipe builder on WW today. Even though all my ingredients were 0 points, WW said it 5 points. I think you're supposed to eat 3 strawberries in one snack rather than the strawberries with oranges, carrots and kale. Sort of discouraging to me.